Stevens gives watercolor demo to art group

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Wayne Post

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Posted Nov. 5, 2013 at 2:01 PM

Posted Nov. 5, 2013 at 2:01 PM

Wayne, N.Y.

WALWORTH — Roland “Chip” Stevens entertained the Wester Wayne Art Group and guests with a watercolor demonstration for the group’s October meeting. Stevens is a noted watercolor artist in the Rochester area, working mostly on plein-air and marine works.

Stevens does not work from photographs, but does work from the same tray of paints he’s been refreshing for 40 years. He uses mostly Winsor-Newton paints (professional grade, though student grade works well, too). Stevens keeps jots down his thoughts in a sketch book using pencil, pen, and magic markers. In addition to his palette and sketch book materials, he used a common household staple, bathroom tissue, for blotting and rolling over clouds to make them fluffier; just don’t use the brand with patterns!

Stevens’ continuous growth and development as a plein-air painter in his pursuit of watercolor has enabled him to be accepted in numerous juried, national, state, and regional exhibitions. He is a “Signature Member” of the National Watercolor Society, Philadelphia Watercolor Society, Pittsburgh Watercolor Society, Niagara Frontier Transparent Watercolor Society, Central New York Watercolor Society, Rochester Art Club, and Whiskey Painters of America. He is also a member of Transparent Watercolor Society of America, American Watercolor Society, and American Society of Marine Artists.

“As an architect, having been trained to explore the multiple possibilities of every design, I have found it equally exciting and rewarding to apply that training towards watercolor painting. I search for natural subject matter that presents an interesting challenge, frequently changing the focal point of interest by how I apply color. I usually sketch directly and apply some under glazes to set up a theme and depending on how quickly it dries, will proceed, allowing numerous options to remain open for shifting the focal point. The challenge and excitement is in not recording all the fact but in trying to capture a likeness while experiencing unique and unpredictable outcome.”

Another important aspect of his work is the framing. Stevens using white mats, and all materials are acid free. He goes to Wilson Family Framing to frame his work for exhibits, shows, and sales.

View Stevens’ art at www.rolandestevens.com, and also connect with him on Facebook.

WWAG typically meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month at the Walworth Town Hall (off Route 441) in Walworth. Members and guests are welcome. In lieu of a meeting in November, the group will hold its Holiday Art Sale at the First Presbyterian Church of Ontario Center (1638 Ridge Road, Ontario Center). The sale runs Wednesday, Nov. 20 through Saturday, Nov. 23, and is open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. each day. Admission and parking are free.